September 5, 2009
Maiko's Office
Morning



It was a morning, and she was simply not a morning person. Waking up today was a chore, and it took every effort within her very being to force herself to crawl out of bed, and get prepared for the day. Her breakfast had been small—a couple biscuits with jam on top. Heavy food in the morning did not sit well, though she knew she would regret the choice to eat a small breakfast by the time that lunchtime came around. Somehow, she had managed to get her lazy self up to her office, looking clean and put together before students came in. If any students decided to, or needed to come in at all. There were days where no students needed her help, but then again… There were also some days where her office was so busy, that she actually needed to schedule appointments.

Ugh, appointments. She hated scheduling appointments for others to come see her. To her, it felt almost disrespectful to anyone who was coming in to receive some sort of assistance. The last thing she wanted to do was make others feel like her time was far more valuable than theirs.

Her office was, for the most part—fairly neat. The walls had several scenery paintings, though none of the paintings actually had people on them, at least for the moment. There were a couple cushy chairs, and one couch, all crammed together against one wall. The opposing wall was covered in bookshelves. Maiko sat down in a lightly cushioned wooden chair that was placed behind a desk. One half of the desk was completely clean and organized—the other half was covered in books, pieces of parchment, and other miscellaneous office supplies that had yet to be put in it’s place. She picked up a piece of paper with a list of dates and times—and several of them were blank.

She gazed at her desk, down at the paper and back again. Eventually, she decided to set the paper down. There were no appointments today. All she really could do was sit and wait. She supposed she could harass some of the other staff members, but she had the feeling that some of them would not appreciate it at all. Once she got some form of social interaction, Maiko knew that she could easily overlook her weariness, if others were around. But since that was not yet the case, she did not feel any obligation to pep up.

”Neeeeeeh.” She groaned to herself pathetically, and slumped her torso over her desk, pressing her face against a textbook that had the faint smell of grass and vanilla. Her high neck, buttoned up blouse very nearly came untucked from her pencil skirt from the action, causing a vague feeling of discomfort in her lower back as her black robes brushed against her skin. ”…’Ow unfair.” She mumbled, her voice muffled by the book on her desk. Because the counselor’s voice was muffled, it was difficult to tell if her slight French accent was a result of the muffling, or if it was a natural part of her speaking voice. ”Talk about ridiculous middle class witch problems.” Mai thought to herself, acknowledging how silly, childish, and somewhat unprofessional her behavior was.

Sophie felt as though she were constantly running from thing to thing - even during the week when she had an entire block of the morning to herself, there was so much she needed to be doing. Partly it was showing Colton around Hogwarts, introducing him to people, meeting his friends, spending time when she could grab Ollie. A large chunk of her time was already being eaten up by her studies because she'd put so much pressure on herself to do better than the previous year, and then there were all the extra things she was planning; the paper and SAWS were going to eat up a lot of her time. When she had sat down the night before to figure it all out with Gabby (having met with the Headmaster earlier that morning), she forced herself to give up the idea of Choir and the Hogwarts Players. She refused to rule out Divination Club, but it might have to be put to the side as well if she wanted to have any kind of social life.

Which brought the tiny Gryffindor to where she stood now, outside Madame Yukawa's office awkwardly shifting from one foot to the other as she tried to decide how best to enter and introduce herself. Sophie needed a mentor, Professor Cosmos was an excellent Diviner and teacher but she wasn't a Seer. Sophie needed guidance from someone on hand, not just Nana Flickwick through letters. Without her sister Ruby on campus Sophie didn't have someone she could count on not to be completely freaked out but the visions or hallucinations. Well, Ollie probably wouldn't freak out but the Hufflepuff Werewolf had so much to worry about already, Sophie didn't want to add to her worries. There was always Deus... but Merlin save anyone who counted on that boy to be steady and reliable...and besides none of them would have the knowledge to help her cope with or unscramble whatever messages the universe sent her anyway.

Exhaling a long breath she raised a tiny fist and rapped lightly against the heavy door. She waited a moment before tugging on the knob and peeking her dark head around the corner, her smile wane as she bit the inside of her lower lip. Why she felt so timid lately when dealing with authority figures was an absolute mystery to her, in this case it might have been because she was about to share secrets she spent much of her life trying to avoid. Clearing her throat she half slipped into the office, leaving one foot in the hallway in case she should decide to bolt at the last second, "Madame? I know it's rather early for a meeting on a Saturday but if you have some time..." Sophie trailed off, not exactly sure how to state the next obvious part, "there isn't any rush of course, I understand if you'd like to read your paper in peace, and I can come back another day," deep breath no more rambling, "I have a, well it isn't a problem exactly".

Her visions not being a problem was up for some debate. When the dreams became too intense she stopped sleeping, when she stopped sleeping she started seeing things while she was awake. She'd never had a full on Trelawney experience, losing control of her body and speaking in riddles that she couldn't remember. They came in flashes, things she couldn't be sure she was seeing, coded in dream memory. Her Nan promised once she learned to control the gift it would be better, it would feel less terrifying, less consuming. Sophie wasn't completely convinced. "Right, so you've seen Professor PoniumTrishna," she looked bashful, pressing her lips together before blurting out, "the entire week before school started I had visions, at night, in my dreams about a black and blue Pegasus tap dancing on a Globe, while a very unhappy blonde lady threw books at him," her brows knitted together, the comedic element not totally lost on her as she chewed her bottom lip "Obviously, now I know it was about Professor Trishna and Mister Morgan".

Toying with the fringe of her earring she sighed, "Normally I can tell, the difference I mean, between a regular dream and a vision because the visions are usually..." she trailed off not wanting to admit they scared her. She had yet to tell anyone she'd seen a blood moon in the middle of the day a week prior to the March attacks. There was a certain level of guilt she carried with her for having dismissed the hallucination as stress. "My Nan is a Seer, but she's not here Ma'am and I need a mentor," it sounded so simple now that she had finally said it. Why had she been so scared to ask for help, to admit to someone else that the things inside her mind were real? It seemed silly, after all it would be in Sophie's file that she'd had visions since she was twelve or thirteen. Clearing her throat she fidgeted with her bracelet and finally tried to meet the counselor's eyes, "Do you think, maybe... you could help me? I mean if you have time and I wouldn't be a bother".

Maiko looked up, and her face lit up at the sight of a student. “Come in, come in! Sit down!” She exclaimed happily, a red mark on her cheek from pressing her face against the cover of her book too hard. “No no, don’t worry. You’re saving me from ennui.” She led Sophie to one of the larger comfortable chairs, and then sat down next to her. She listened very patiently at everything the girl was saying, not wanting to scare her off, or make her feel like her words, her thoughts, and her fears were unimportant somehow. This girl was very much a seer, there was absolutely no doubt about that. Mai felt that it was true, and she trusted her instincts, knowing that they were very much influenced by both what the muggles called the subconscious, and by what magical folk called the third eye.

She was amused when Sophie brought up the horse dancing on the globe, remembering that she had seen that a couple weeks ago. That was not a sight that she would soon forget. With the mental image of an angry blond woman throwing books at an adorable miniature horse, it took everything in Maiko’s power not to laugh. Somehow, she managed, though she could not hide a smile in her eyes at the image. “I can guarantee one thing—“ Mai said simply, after making sure that the Gryffindor was finished talking. After all, it was incredibly rude to interrupt someone in the middle of pouring their heart out.

“I will definitely ‘elp you. That is my only guarantee. But you need to understand, I will be a mentor, a guide. I can give you suggestions on ‘ow to differentiate between what is real, what will be real, and what is just a dream.” The young woman paused, and took a breath, “’Owever, any work you do is all you. I am not responsible for any progress you make. You do the work, I just…. ‘elp you figure it out.” She gave Sophie a smile. “Whenever you have problems, a bad dream, or anything—don’t ‘esitate to let me know. I will do my best to help you grow as a person.”

Now, for some actual advice. This was the difficult part, though she knew that she could do it.

“What your grandmere said was true, as you get older, it is easier to tell the difference. What helped for me, is training myself to figure out whether I am dreaming or not. I test myself. Throughout the day, I will look at an unusual symbol, and if it shows up in my dream, or vision—or whatever I think it may be, I know there is a high probability that it is merely a dream. And when that symbol occurs, if I suspect it is a dream, I am able to control, to an extent, what I dream.” Her eyebrows furrowed together, “Do you understand what I am trying to explain?”  Maiko did not want to get so far ahead in explanations, that she left Sophie behind.

Sophie felt, in some respects, relieved. There would be someone to talk to, someone to help guide her through whatever visions presented themselves. She wouldn't have to worry about strange looks or trying to explain how she knew that she knew something. She had encountered her fair share of skeptics (one blonde, over worked, slightly up on himself, Ravenclaw Prefect came to mind), but the safety net of having someone who had lived through it herself was reassuring. It didn't mean she was looking forward to getting comfortable with this ability. She put so much pressure on herself already, trying to do the right thing - but when one's moral compass was still forming having the Sight could completely bugger a girl's sense of duty.

It begged the question, was it better to know or not? If she had been more attune with her gift in March could she have prevented deaths? Should she be punished because she hadn't known what she was seeing? It was a rabbit hole that she refused to let herself go down. Guilt was not something Sophie was good at out running, it could take up all her energy if she didn't keep herself busy. So instead of letting her mind wander she zeroed in on what Yukawa was saying, her expression pensive as she gave a small nod of understanding. She knew that the work, learning to control how her visions effected her would come down to her own will. Nan had told her that a million times, it was just nice to know that she wouldn't have to be alone in it this year.

Tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear she gave the counselor a grateful smile, her tiny shoulders visibly relaxing, "The work I can do, am ready to do. I just..." she took a deep breath and shook her head, "it's the weight of it all I guess, the worrying that I won't know what I'm seeing in time. Professor Trishna being a pony, while inconvenient and probably uncomfortable, isn't life shattering. He won't die from it, it will go away - I mean I assume it will go away," she paused to consider the fact it might not. That would be unfortunate, but he would be adorable. "No one really got hurt this time, but what about next time? I know  I'm a Gryffindor and we're supposed to be fearless or whatever, but I can't be, not about this. What if next time I miss it someone does get hurt"?

Sophie was excellent at worrying over things that had yet to happen, it was a real skill - a real, unhealthy, skill.

Maiko felt a great deal of concern for this young seer. This girl appeared to have so much pressure on her, and she seemed to be overwhelmed, and consumed with guilt over… Over something. Mai couldn’t pinpoint it, because she wasn’t a telepath. She also wasn’t particularly skilled in legilimency, though to be honest, she never had any reason to learn it. She felt like it was too intruding, and too disrespectful of others involved. She could see how it could be handy in a fight, but she could never see herself using it. Being a skilled seer was good enough for her, and she didn’t want to feel like some sort of god.

“Worrying about whether or not someone will get ‘urt, is not what you need to focus on.” She said softly, “Just because you have visions, does not mean you can figure out when they will happen, or even who all will be involved.” Maiko explained. She had visions when she was younger, predicting when people she knew were going to die. It was upsetting, but she was old enough now to understand that sometimes, you couldn’t do anything. The best you could possibly do, was talk about what you saw, with someone who would not judge you. “If anyone gets hurt, it is not your fault.” Maiko said, her voice full of confidence, her body language was self-assured. She meant what she said, and she was positive that her words were accurate.

“If it makes you more comfortable, you can always talk to me about your dreams and visions. Matters of life and death should not be your responsibility. You may be a seer, but you’re also a student. Worrying over things that have not ‘appened is not ‘ealthy, and it will only make understanding your visions more difficult. Focus on you, your school, and your life.” Maiko stood up, and walked over to her desk. She grabbed a box of chocolates. “You should be your number one worry, not the rest of the world. ‘ow can you be expected to fix bigger problems, if you are not in a healthy state of mind?” Maiko held out the box to Sophie, “Would you like one?”

Sophie silently considered the woman, she reminded the sixth year of her grandmother in some ways. It was the self assured tone, the sense that what she was saying was true, Magda Flickwick had always had that. Sophie wanted to believe it, she'd always tried to talk herself into seeing things through the older woman's years of wisdom. It had just become increasingly difficult since her whole life had been turned upside down. Sophie felt like she was grasping at straws most of the time, just trying to keep her balance. There was so much to worry about, things she had never had to question before had just fallen away.

The focal point of her life (her family) was in shambles, and while she had spent three months pretending it didn't matter... there was no denying the pressure she put on herself to be someone her mother would have been proud of. She couldn't hold her family together maybe, but she could do something. Of course Sophie had gotten good at hiding behind her bright smile and a breezy laugh. She convinced herself that was different than lying because it was in an attempt to keep people from worrying too much. Slipping a chocolate from the box she gave the older woman a lopsided smile and shrugged her shoulders, "I'm always alright in the end"

That wasn't exactly a lie either, not totally anyway. She hadn't gone completely off her rocker yet, "I know how to... bounce I guess," she paused, brown eyes cast down to the kitten faces on the toes of her flats, "It's hard not to feel responsible for other people. Looking after those who can't look after themselves seems to be a family trait," she didn't bother to look up. The Headmaster had known without pausing for a moment that Ramona Flickwick had been her mother, it wouldn't be hard to put the two last names together when you added in the fact it had been big news over the summer when Sophie's father had started touring so soon after her mother's death.

”I’m always alright in the end.” Something did not seem right about this sentence, and as Mai listened, she figured out why. Sophie was absolutely not alright. The way she carried herself, her tone—everything about her, revealed that she was not as okay as she wanted others to believe. Maiko sympathized, and understood—there are times in everybody’s lives where things are far less than perfect, and sometimes, the best thing you could do, is find someone to help, or merely to listen.  Maiko took in Sophie’s words, and processed them. She knew she needed to say something, to let Sophie know that lying about her feelings was unnecessary, at least in her office.

“You are not alright.” Maiko said bluntly, “What’s wrong, Sophie? Anything that you tell me will stay in this room. I will not tell a soul.” Her voice softened up, and she attempted to make eye contact with the Gryffindor. She knew that the girl was not feeling perfect, and Mai felt like she should have known why. If she was given a few more clues, perhaps it would have been more obvious to her. But, perhaps, it was best that Mai did not know exactly was wrong, it gave Sophie a chance to express her feelings without worrying about people claiming to know what she’s going to say, before she says it.

Sophie bought herself some time by biting into the chocolate and chewing very, very, very slowly. Logically she knew Yukawa would make her talk about it eventually. It had only been a few days prior that she had burst into Astronomy and yanked Sasha out for whatever reason, so Sophie could tell her now or give the woman a chance to dig through her records and find all the juicy tidbits - neither sounded particularly enjoyable. Sophie didn't want to admit that there were all of these feelings she couldn't control, all of this anger, all of whatever was going on inside of her. She had finally gotten people to stop looking at her with a mix of pity and worry. She had proven to them that she could withstand the loss of her mother and her father going off the rails, admitting it all still hurt felt like admitting defeat.

Swallowing the mouthful of chocolate and letting out a sigh she looked at Maiko and then back to her kitten shoes, "I'm fine. Really, I mean I guess you'll find out sooner or later anyway but..." she trailed off, "my mom died last March. She was attacked by a Werewolf who had ingested the tainted Wolfsbane from the Ministry". She let that statement hang in the air for a long moment, inspecting her toes as they pointed together, chewing on the inside of her bottom lip. "After, things kind of went cockeyed in the family. Dad took off with his band touring. They're selling out venues all over Europe, and my sisters both graduated last year and went to have their adventures over the summer, so it was just me and Nan," her voice lacked inflection as she shared these things. She could have been rambling off a school supply list for all the emotion she showed.

Toying with her earrings she shifted her eyes from her kitten toes to the office ceiling, "I try to not really, you know, dwell on things. They left, I survived, and now I've left...even though, you know, my dad didn't bother to make it back to see me off on the platform," that had been much harder for her than she wanted to admit. It was the first time in Merlin knew how many years (since her brother's first year) that Duncan hadn't been standing there just waving until they couldn't see him anymore. Well, to be fair it wasn't really a they anymore, just Sophie now. "I just stay busy. I've got SAWS and that's a lot of work because everything has changed now that Ollie's back at school and the little first year. Headmaster Reid is being very helpful and I don't want to do anything to betray the kindness that he's show us, but you know...other people".

That might not have been a totally fair thing to say, but it was hard not to worry that some of the more rash members wouldn't like the more mild middle of the road direction Sophie wanted to take this year. She had to find a balance to keep everyone happy. She tried not to vividly recall how keen Figaro was on forcing Snark into a Ministry holding cell on a full moon and see how she handled herself. That kind of attitude wasn't going to get them anywhere and she had to figure out (in all her sixteen years of wisdom) how to appease that mentality and still move forward in the path she wanted. Letting out a long breath she rubbed her shoulder looking to the counselor, "So, I guess I have a lot going on, but it's fine you know? I don't want to deal with more pitying worried looks or go back to everyone treating me like I'll break of they say the wrong thing. I'm fine".

Maiko grabbed a piece of chocolate for herself, and ate it slowly as she listened to the young seer. She was glad that the girl was opening up, though the casual, everyday way that she spoke of her issues, was worrisome. Maiko also understood that it was a defense mechanism of sorts. Maiko understood—when she was younger, and was going through tough times, sometimes it was simply easier to just stuff your feelings and move on. The idea was that if you acted like you were fine, you would eventually become fine on your own. For some people, it worked—for her, it was totally unhealthy, and she was not a happy teenager at all. She didn’t want people to have a shitty time at Hogwarts, because of issues back home.

As she listened, she grew disgusted at Sophie’s dad, but understood that this was also, probably his way of coping. Nevertheless, he should have showed up to say goodbye to her. Grieving or not, there was no excuse for that kind of behavior. Just because his wife died, did not mean he needed to relinquish all responsibility he had as a parent. Maiko was glad that at least, Sophie had her grandmother to be there for her. “No matter ‘ow much you say you are fine, I am not convinced.” Maiko said simply, softly. Her voice did not contain any worry or pity, but just honesty and perhaps, a hint of understanding. “What I want to know,” She said, taking in a deep breath, “What I want to know is, ‘ow are you feeling?”

The counselor was not going to throw a pity party. She was just here to listen. That was her job—to listen, maybe advice, solve conflicts, and do whatever else she thought would help students. It was her responsibility to be the person who did not pity, but just quietly listened and understood. “Fine is not a feeling. What emotions are you feeling?” If she needed to show pity and compassion, she was certain that Sophie would give her some sort of sign that was what she needed. However, Mai had a feeling that this was something that Sophie was used to getting, and someone who just listened would be a nice change of pace.

Sophie chewed the inside of her cheek, her posture changing the longer they talked about feelings. Her shoulder slumped and she found it harder and harder to meet the woman's gaze. Sophie wasn't good at lying outright. She could weave together half truths, but she felt like that was different, and only ever did that to protect people she cared about anyway. Tucking her hair behind her ear she fidgeted with her bracelet, lips pursed to one side as she tried to find a way to end this very uncomfortable conversation. Sophie was good at listening and taking care of people, she wasn't quite so good at knowing how to let other people take care of her anymore. It felt smothering, like she couldn't get all the air she needed.

"I feel..." she shook her head and held up her hands in defeat, "I don't know. Some days I really do feel ok, I feel like it's manageable. It always hurts, I always miss her, sometimes I miss him - sometimes I hate him. Sometimes I'm just angry. Angry at her for dying, angry at him for not knowing what to do or how to be without her, angry at my sisters for running as far and as fast as they could," she paused to swallow, taking a deep breath, "angry with myself that I couldn't fix us, angry that life won't ever be like it was and I just have to accept it. I can't change it. I didn't get to have a say, I just woke up March 12th and life as I had known it for fifteen years was over. I didn't just lose my mum, it was like everything around me fell apart".

Slouching low in the chair, her arms crossed over her stomach she sighed and turned her eyes toward the ceiling, "But that's life. Things happen, before and after events, and you just have to accept how things are. So I stay busy, I try to be the kind of person she could be proud of. I could stay in bed and cry or I could try to make a difference in the world. When I'm busy I don't have time to think about how nothing will ever be the same, and at the end of the day I'm so tired I just go right to sleep. Maybe it's not the best way to deal with loss, to deal with the things I can't change, but it works for me. If I slow down, if I stop, I don't know that I would have it in me to get up and go again. The weight of what was is enough to suffocate a person if they let it. I choose not to let it".

It was not that she was happy that Sophie was not doing well, it was that she was glad that the girl was finally expressing how she felt on the inside, instead of suppressing all of her emotions, and only giving half truths in order to avoid thinking about how she felt.  Her anger was completely normal, and completely justified. It was part of the grieving process, only she wasn’t just grieving for her mother. She was grieving for her entire family. Maiko listened to Sophie, nodding every now and then, letting the girl get all her words and feelings out into the open.

“I am not going to lie. It will hurt for a long time.” Maiko said softly, “None of this is your fault. Sometimes, you cannot fix things.” She rested her hands in her lap. She wanted to hug Sophie, but she did not want to seem like she pitied the girl. Pity was the last emotion that the woman was feeling, though she was definitely feeling sympathetic. Losing not one, but both of your parents, was stressful, traumatizing, and depressing.  “Staying busy is one way to deal with it, but remember that you need to allow yourself time to grieve.” Mai reached over and rested her hand on Sophie’s shoulder in a reassuring, calm way.

“Crying does not make you weaker. It just means that you are ‘uman. I understand that you do not want your feelings to dominate your life, and you do not have to let them—but there is a difference between suppressing your emotions, and choosing not to let them take over.” Maiko gave the young seer a smile, “A little crying is ‘ealthy. If you ever feel like you need to cry, just come to my office. You are always welcome here.”

Sophie was, by and large a physical person. She liked physical contact, she liked hugs, she thrived on snuggling. Her most common way of offering comfort was physical, being close to someone and reassuring them that she was there and real. She knew not everyone coped this way and had gotten rather good at reading body language, gauging what others needed from her. She was not so good at gauging what she needed for herself, in her grief she was more comfortable alone. It was as though it was the last thing that belonged solely to her and if she allowed other people in she would lose even that. In other situations, especially with someone she was close to, she'd have all but climbed into their lap by now.

She looked up as Yukawa touched her shoulder  and gave the woman a wane smile, she did not flinch but she offered no encouragement for further embrace either. "I really am ok you know, I mean... I have people who love and support me. Sure it's bloody awful, the way things are with Da, but," she paused shaking her head and sitting up, elbows braced on her knees, "Having Ollie, and my Nan, my godfather, even my pen pal from Salem. I'm just living my life, y'know? Awful as everything can be, as much as it hurts, seems selfish to complain or cry about it. My da's a Wrock Star for Merkin's sake. What have I really got to be upset about? My life's been easy for the most part," and it was true. Her life had been easy.

Minimizing the power of her grief, dismissing the notion she had a right to the dull ache that lived on the underside of her heart, it was just one more way to survive the reality of her life being completely upside down. Anchors that had been in place her entire life were gone now - so she made new ones, it was all she could do really. Taking a deep breath she exhaled slowly and her features brightened as she glanced to the closest readable clock, "Thank you for seeing me Madame Biladeau-Yukawa, but I've got to get ready for the first Hogwarts Howler meeting and some other SAWS things to sort out..." she trailed off, lips drawn to one side as she tried to make a hasty but unobtrusive exit. She needed to be done talking now, it was getting awkward.

Maiko removed her hand, and figured that Sophie had enough of talking today. She didn’t need any more. If she had problems, Mai was confident that the young woman would come in to see her, and they could discuss them when that time came. “That’s all you can do, live your life. Keep being Sophie.”  She shrugged, though her face lit up when Sophie mentioned SAWS. Mai loved activist-type activities, along with anything involving babies, muggles, kittens, puppies, or chocolate.  Especially babies and children, though. Those closest to her, would know that she adored children. She was one of those people who wanted their friends to have babies, just so she could babysit.

“If you ‘ave any extra posters, please bring one by the office. I’ll put one up by the door.” Maiko offered.  “You know, I dated a guy once whose sister was a werewolf. She was the most darling lady ever, really.” Of course, she didn’t want to go into details about who she dated, or when. Confidentiality and whatnot. “Sophie, Sophie. Feel free to come by anytime, if you have chocolate or… Questions, or anything. Or a baby. Or baby pictures.” At this point, Maiko was started to trail off into nonsense, and she realized it.

“Sorry, I’m keeping you waiting. Go on, do your… Activities. I’ll probably be ‘ere all day.” Maiko wanted to give Sophie an easy out, in case she was running late. It would be rude if she kept her any longer than she wanted to be here, after all.

Sophie gave the woman a brighter smile and nodded her had, "I don't think I'd be much good at being anybody else," there was a little laugh tacked onto that. She had to admit as hard as it was it was nice to just say things she mostly kept to herself. She just didn't want to give the impression she thought her problems were the be all end all of the universe. Things were rough all over, and when you were best friends with someone like Ollie it was hard to feel sorry for yourself. If someone who had been tormented most of her life could be as easy going and happy as Foley then who was Sophie to fall apart under a little pressure?

"I'll be sure to make one especially for your door," it was nice to have at least one staff member wanting to show vocal support of the group. Most of the other staff remained neutral on the topic - Sophie understood why. It still made her sad, but she had yet to encounter a professor who was vocally opposed and that was maybe the most they could hope for. She wouldn't want any of her professors fired for linking their names to the group, to be considered free radicals and end up in all kinds of trouble. She didn't think Headmaster Reid was the type but Snark had been vicious to anyone who opposed her. It wasn't a wonder that most adults kept mum on their opinions.

She was caught slightly off guard by the baby comment and gave an awkward laugh as she eased toward the door, "I don't plan on getting sprog'd up any time soon, but if by some twist of magic that happens you'll be one of the first to know," her voice was amused as she paused with her hand on the door, "thank you, for the talk - and agreeing to help me. I'm sure I'll be back soon," she gave the woman one last smile before slipping out the door and heading back toward Gryffindor tower. Madame Biladeau-Yukawa was going to prove to be an interesting person to work with. Sophie liked interesting, so it was a good thing.

Maiko gave the girl a light wave, and closed the door behind Sophie. She expected to see the girl again, though she did hope that it wouldn’t be because Sophie was in any kind of trouble. She felt a positive feeling in the pit of her stomach; one that always occurred after some sort of constructive bonding. But for now, it was back to focusing on paperwork and whatnot. She was excited to have someone that considered her to be a mentor of sorts, and she was glad to see young seers around. Sophie was intelligent, and she held a lot of promise. Maiko was genuinely looking forward to seeing her more in the future. 

[End scene]